JUDGE ASA D. WATKINS.
The Watkins family, of French-English descent, was founded in Virginia
by Thomas Watkins, of Chickahominy, one of two brothers who
came to America in colonial days, one settling in Virginia, the other in
Alabama. From Thomas Watkins descended Frank Watkins, of Prince
Edward county, long clerk of its courts, great grandfather of Asa D.
His grandfather was Captain H. E. Watkins, of Prince Edward county,
who commanded its troops in the war of 1812. His father was the late
Judge F. N. Watkins, born in Prince Edward county, judge of its courts
for fourteen years, member of the legislature for Prince Edward and
Appomattox counties, sessions of 1866-7-8-9-70, died at age of
seventy-three years. The mother of Asa D., still living in Farmville,
was Martha A. Scott before marriage.
Asa D. was born in Prince Edward county, on June 5, 1856. His
earliest studies were received at home, then he attended school in Farmville
a time, then was sent to Hampden-Sidney college. He studied
law with his father and attended law lectures at the University of Virginia,
under Professor Minor. In 1883 he began practice in Prince
Edward and adjoining counties. Since February, 1886, he has been
judge of county court. In October, 1885, he was made secretary and
treasurer of the State Female Normal School of Virginia, located at
Farmville, which offices he still worthily fills.
Judge Watkins married at Farmville, September 2, 1886, Nannie E.
Forbes, of Buckingham county, Virginia. Their son, Willie F., was
born on June 17, 1887. Mrs. Watkins is the daughter of W. W. Forbes,
who was born in Buckingham county, still an honored resident there,
now seventy-four years of age. Her mother, who was Amonette Cobb,
died at the age of twenty-five years.
